It’s getting a little too quiet around here…

About that skin biopsy–it turned out to be a basal cell cancer. Dr Shaw called me herself with the news, as we’d all been on pins and needles per the result. Had it been a melanoma, I’d have been disqualified from the trial and likely all future trials for lung cancer. That would suck. So—we were thrilled that it was just a basal cell. I will have a Mohs Surgery to surgically remove the lesion from my shin on July 21st. And, from this point forward, be a lot more careful about sunscreen.

What other important events have come and gone since I last posted?

Justin and me. Two styling dudes.

Well, Mother’s Day. Mine was splendid—I spent the day before in Cambridge with Jemesii and her boyfriend Justin. We went to the Coolidge Theatre to see Only Lover’s Left Alive (a bit vapid for vampires, but delicious none-the-less) and then had dinner out. An altogether lovely Saturday punctuated by a goose crossing the busy byway—I had to play traffic cop from my car seat with an impatient driver of a luxury car (brand unmentioned) who couldn’t understand why we’d all stopped and evidently wished to hurry on to wherever they were going. To strike a goose with one’s car on Mother’s Day eve and leave a gaggle of goslings orphaned….in very poor taste.

Peter Duff text-checking

The day itself: Peter had emailed me a week prior to ask if I’d like to spend Mother’s Day with him (!) and I drove to Exeter where we indulged ourselves with a–surprise, never asked how much it would be–pricey brunch at the hotel down the road. It was almost as tasty as it was expensive. We then took a stroll around town and over to the river where Peter practices crew. There is a small pond there and we saw perhaps two dozen turtles basking in the sun. Splendid!

My day was made complete by a phone call from my eldest son, August, who was catching his breath after a long shift waiting tables on what tends to be the busiest breakfast of the year. He always cleans up (rakes in the tips!), helped no doubt by his MOM tattoo that he got after I asked that he stop getting tattoos.

The next major event on my plate was what was supposed to be the final mediation for my/our divorce. Fortunately, nothing was signed because upon reflection (which started as soon as I walked out the door, dazed as I was), it didn’t go very well—at least for me.

Fortunately I have some good and wise friends and family members who took it upon themselves to advise me. Further legal counsel has been sought and the process is ongoing.

Moving right along, I had the lead-in dose for PF-06463922 on Tuesday, May 20th. I was in the third cohort in the dose escalation or first phase of this trial.

First dose down the hatch!

Sadie was there for the whole bloody-long day, which made it all so much more fun. She insisted that the dosing be delayed for several minutes so that it could happen right at 11:11, when I became the ninth human in the world to take PF-06463922—having been preceded by several hours by a participant in Queensland, Australia and Barcelona, Spain. What a shame that we all could not have skyped along as we dosed, although given the timezones, I would have had to have gotten up earlier!

That giddy after taste!

Anyway, this was a day I had long anticipated. And as it is already the second day of June, much has transpired since that first dose. Those of you unacquainted with clinical trials would probably like to hear a bit more about the particulars and I shall go into greater detail in a subsequent post. In the meantime I figured an update was more than necessary. To summarize: the skin biopsy was a basal cell—good news! I had my lead-in dose of PF-06463922 and regular dosing has begun. Fingers, toes, arms and legs crossed!

you are such an inspiration to me. We are in a similar situation but have just started Xykadia. Did you ever try that. It has just been FDA approve.
I read your blog with a heart full of love for you.
Irma

Weird to be celebrating basal cell skin cancer, but celebrating we are! Here’s to the hope of more celebrating the effectiveness of the new treatment.
And, may I say, your hair looks great. I like the slightly shaggy look. xoxoxo

Ever sense I was diagnosed, I have been facebook and computer stalking you 🙂 You are such an inspiration to so many of us survivors! Glad to hear about the basal cell. Keep on keeping on and continuing to let that beautiful light shine. Nancy

Did you know about my skin cancer adventures? Being on very high deductible, I shopped and shopped and learned that while Mohs is clearly the best re recurrence rate, it’s pricey and often not necessary. (I got my two basal cells zorched off with an electric needle in 15 minutes for 1/10 the price!)

But your situation may be very different – just thought I’d mention the option. I haz blog posts about it if you want.

Linnea, great to hear this news. Get on with it! I know Ezra’s death was difficult, but how strong was that beautiful Fast Boy? I’m still in OZ till the end of this month. Hoping you are considering my offer. I like the hair, very lively. Stand Strong, dear lady. Hedy

Congrats on starting the new clinical trial Linnea!! – I was waiting on pins & needles waiting to hear confirmation that it was a go! I love that you started at 11:11 – I would have done the exact same thing. A very positive sign indeed! YSP!

What fabulous news, Linnea! Your light shines in all of us…sending blessings your way for very successful treatment outcomes! Thank you for your pioneering efforts for the rest of us and for the great pictures…so stunning!